NissanDiesel Forums

The original owner did good oil services and most other things but ... things do deteriate and there are some things I was GIVEN this '82 from the original buyer back in 1982 SD. Odometer was 120,000 miles.

The owner said it's "free to you or ... it goes to a junker." So I took a stab at getting it run and if it did start ... I could have it free.

Well ... NOTHING is a "free car." Don't ever think it is free except that a owner gets rid of it to you.

So I started for "free" and here's what I has cost (minus insurance, and yearly plates.)

1982 Datsun Diesel PL720 King Cab 120,105 miles (2-15-04)
1 Replace Ignition switch (’80 Subaru AWD part) ($27)
2 Diagnose & repair DPC controller system (no start) 4 hrs
3 Replace radio antenna 1 hr
4 Repair Controller linkage, adjust Altitude Compensator 1 hr
5 Adjust engine valves 1 hr
6 Readjust throttle cable for full throttle
7 Replace clutch master cylinder, fabricate new push rod ($65)(120,905)
8 Replace A/C idler pulley bearing ($20)
9 LOF 121,498 ($10)
10 Replace transmission oil 80w-90 ($5)
11 Pull instrument cluster, repair trip-meter 1 hr
12 Replace right High Beam ($7)
13 Replace windshield ($175)
14 Repair windshield washer sprayer
15 Install exhaust pipe extension ($20)
16 Remove & clean exhaust soot from inside tail light lenses 1 hr
17 Replace 4 burned out running lights ($5)
18 LOF 123,525 ($10)
19 Replace engine thermostat with correct part ($11) Fan Belt ($15)
20 Thread repair to thermostat housing ($35)
21 Replace engine coolant ($7)
22 Replace radiator cap ($6)
23 Replace fuel tank cap ($5)
24 Replace driver seat spring, clean interior ($1)
25 LOF 124,420 ($10)
26 Replace upper control arm & tension rod bushings, alignment ($220)(124,900)
27 Replace fuel pre-filter ($5)
28 Replace rt/frt bumper ends ($10)
29 Replace all valve guide seals ($25)(125,090)
30 Update Oil & Glow Plug lamps (LEDs) ($7)
31 Rebuild front brakes (pads, turn rotors, calipers)($80)(126,200)
32 LOF 126,451 ($10)
33 Clutch slave cylinder & hose ($55)(126,610)
34 Reset Fuel Injection timing, repair EGR controls. (126,610)
35 Rebuild transmission & Clutch complete. ($645)(127,541)
36 LOF 128,558 & fuel pre-filter ($15)
37 Rear brakes – insp, clean, lube mounts (1.5 hr)(128,558)
38 Replace muffler ($35) Driver door ($125)(129,900)
39 LOF & transmission 131,178 ($15), New A/C comp, Rcvr/drier, Condenser, R-12, Alt brushes, Vacuum Pump oil line, Lower Radiator hose, belts ($340)
40 Replace drive shaft support bearing assembly ($98 )(133,705)
41 LOF 134,001 ($10) Air filter ($10)
42 LOF 136,858 ($12) windshield wipers ($8 )
43 LOF 139,010 ($10)
44 Replace 4 Tires ($230) (140,920)
45 LOF 141,750 ($10)
46 Replace front shocks ($50)(143,370)
47 LOF 144,490 ($10)
48 LOF 147,150 ($11)
49 Replace Brake Pads ($25)(147,150)
50 Install camber spacers ($40) & tire rotation (147,440)
51 Replace Primary & Secondary fuel screen/filter ($9)($19)(147,800)
52 LOF 149,055 (Rotella 10w-30) ($13)
53 Replace glow plug set ($85) Windshield wipers ($12)(150,321)
54 LOF 151,552 (Rotella 30)($11)
55 LOF 154,505 (Napa 15w-40)($13)
56 Adjust engine valves (154,505)
57 Replace A/C idler pulley bearing ($10)(155,054)
58 Rebuild Injectors ($207)(156,787)
59 Replace Secondary fuel filter ($19)(156,800)
60 LOF 157,250 (Napa 15w-40)($15)
61 Replace Lift Pump ($100)(159,050)
62 Transmission oil (Royal Purple 75w-140)($22)(160,650)
63 LOF 161,805 (Delvac 1300)($15)
64 Replace Brake pads ($25)(162,437)
65 Transmission Oil (Royal Purple 75w-90)($22)(163,220)
66 LOF 165,305 (NAPA) $17
67 Replace Fan Belt ($16) A/C pipe and Freon ($45) (165,688)
68 Front End Work: Swap upper control arms, Left frnt & rr shocks, install sway bar, idler arm, full alignment (Part$ 130)(Labor $150)(165,901)
69 Replace water pump ($100)(166,601)
70 LOF 168,050 (NAPA) $17
71 Replace clutch, exhaust stud ($350) (171,400)
72 LOF 172,966 (NAPA-oil analyzer $17) $21
73 Realign front end (was toe-out, A-arm ok $40) (175,300)
74 LOF 176,005 ) Oil Pressure Switch ($14) (Mobil1300-Puro) $15
75 Muffler OEM 177,705 $60
76 Speedo drive pinion ($34) (177,800)
77 LOF 178,825 (Rotella 30, OEI filter) $17
78 Alternator (NAPA) $215 (181,377)
79 LOF 181,512 (Delo-100 Puro) $18
80 Replace 4 tires ($180) (181,605)
81 LOF 183,460 (Mobil1300-STP) $17
82 Vacuum pump return hose ($34)(183,750)
83 LOF 184,900 (Coastal 15w-40-STP) $14

At time 12/19/07 .... and still goin', subtotal $4,681. (revised up)

Total miles driven thus far: 65,740

Figure 30 mpg overall average: 2115 total gallons, at $3.10 average since Feb 2004 ... $6,557 fuel cost.

These' things are unique.

There is no "free" owning and driving.

But getting to drive a small, reliable, easy-to-work-on, fuel-efficient diesel pickup that is not available today in the U.S. auto marketplace = priceless!

redmondjp wrote:But getting to drive a small, reliable, easy-to-work-on, fuel-efficient diesel pickup that is not available today in the U.S. auto marketplace = priceless!

I used to be worried having MY door dings. NOW .... other people worry about me dinging them! Better yet ... sometimes I park within 6" of other peoples' left door just to make them wait for me to come back! I've seen two get into their door from their right side.

At Internate freeways, I get laughed about why people follow behind me along at 55 mph in the slow lane for MILES ... when they could have passed along. What gives?

The exhaust pipe used to bark through the gears. There was resound noise from along cars. They didn't like the volume. LOL But now ... I'm back to a OEM muffler.

I can piss off a neighbor by sending diesel smoke into their livingroom ... down stream. I've done that a few times. No more music drums now.

Leave an SD22 parked. Guarantee ... it'll drive a couple of black, stained engine oil drips on a nice clean drive way. The SD25 does not have a crankcase draft pipe.

How many times has your tank burp diesel fuel back on your hands, foot, or the drive? There's a safe routine.

What about when the weather is cold ... say below 45 degrees when you start (or keep it running on 4 cyls) these SDs? Yeah ... it's special!

How about our special oil change routine? Both oil drains have to be pulled. And let's make sure that a couple of clothes are packed around the oil filter before removing the filter.

Does your engine crank over when the clutch pedal is released and the transmission is in any gear? Mine does!

I've got to agree with you Phillip I didn't know the diesel burp was normal. I just thought I was stupid But weirdly enough my 720 is the oldest vehicle in my arsenal and yet doesn't leak any oil. Burns it but doesn't leak it.

TooManyIdeas wrote:I've got to agree with you Phillip I didn't know the diesel burp was normal. I just thought I was stupid -snip-

Just slow down the fuel nozzle rate. Otherwise, diesel fuel will foam ... sorta like beer foam and then burping up the tank tube to the top.

I just set the nozzle rate click at "slow" and then step back away.

The biodiesel I'm buying doesn't foam nearly as badly as D2. I can pump at full volume, and there's almost no foam at top-up, I was surprised to find. Maybe two cups of foam, which dissipates almost immediately.

asavage wrote:The biodiesel I'm buying doesn't foam nearly as badly as D2. .

True 720/SD story. I had own the truck for about 3 months. I was refueling diesel at a ARCO station and already knew about needing the slow nozzle click setting and backing away. ALL D2 fuel is foamy especially on hot days.

Well... a poor, well meaning fellow walked over to me and said ... "Uh ... sir, you're filling up with DIESEL ! You should be putting only gasoline in these old Datsuns. I used to own one."

"Oh?" says I.

Now at that moment ... I was standing about three feet to side of the nozzle while the fellow was about 3 the other side the nozzle when suddenly ... the full tank went "BlaPP-click" ... about 1-1/2' straight out between both of us (It's like a cat's hairball). Neither of got D2 on US ... just the ground.

I laughed while telling the guy that this truck is one of those old diesel Datsun.

"Ever see one of THESE old diesel Datsuns?"

These old things ... are like refueling; then want new mechanicals every so often. So in the past week, I "topped off" the mechanicals.

78 Alternator (NAPA) $215 (181,377)
79 LOF 181,512 (Delo-100 Puro) $18
80 Replace 4 tires ($ ) (181,605)

Discount TIRES Centers.

New 195/75x14 "Star Republic Ensign"

LOL it makes me wanna own a diesel so I can smoke things out


those "star republic ensign" tires sound a whole lot like my "metric caliente" tires i got at a very discount tire center lol

kassim503 wrote:Those "star republic ensign" tires sound a whole lot like my "Metric Caliente" tires I got at a very discount tire center. lol

I have "connection" here so ... I asked "What's the least cost tire that will keep the wheels legal?" Hey ... these new tires handle good and the steering turns is almost like it had power steering! Any mention on the wall is "USA" and has DOT specs.

Tires sold in the US must have the DOT specs listed, it's a Fed law. Even Korean rim protectors . . . er, tires.

asavage wrote:The biodiesel I'm buying doesn't foam nearly as badly as D2. I can pump at full volume, and there's almost no foam at top-up, I was surprised to find. Maybe two cups of foam, which dissipates almost immediately.

It must be something to do with the tank or refueling neck design. My 86 Ford Escort clicks TWO gallons before it's full and it foams like hell. I never had this problem with the Datsun.

lol, good thing there is that law, because with tires for me, the lower the price the better, and the only reason id change them is for inspections. (I really dont drive fast enough for rain to make a difference Its sad but true)

But I am a really big fan of smoking the tires, even tho this car only does it on good days with bad weather

If you do it right youll make a set of poor mans's slicks

Yes it's (Calif) winter and I been driving and driving for things. Seems kinda long to go without replacing SOMETHING.